About Suzanne J. Shephard — Estate Planning Sacramento CA

Suzanne J. Shephard is an estate planning Sacramento attorney serving families across Sacramento County and the broader Central Valley. The practice draws on her public health background to address advance healthcare planning alongside traditional estate documents. Suzanne Shephard prepares wills, revocable trusts, powers of attorney, and advance healthcare directives for clients in Sacramento, Elk Grove, Folsom, and Roseville. Probate cases route through the Sacramento County Superior Court Probate Division at 3341 Power Inn Road.

The practice covers estate plans, trust administration, probate, and conservatorships. California’s statutory probate fees create incentives for trust-based planning, and counsel can compare options for each family’s situation. For comparing nearby firms, the Sacramento attorney directory lists local practitioners by practice area. Initial consultations help families understand which planning tools fit their circumstances before any retainer.

What Clients Say

Reviewers describe Suzanne Shephard as thoughtful, patient, and clear when discussing end-of-life planning topics. Clients appreciate her public health background, which helps when discussing advance directives and long-term care wishes. Several reviews highlight careful document preparation and steady communication during trust administration. The pattern reflects a focused estate practice with attention to client well-being.

Estate Planning Sacramento — Practice Areas & Services

• Wills, revocable living trusts, and pour-over will packages for Sacramento County families
• Durable financial powers of attorney and California advance healthcare directives
• Probate administration in Sacramento County Superior Court Probate Division
• Trust administration and successor trustee guidance after death or incapacity
• Conservatorships and special needs trusts for adult children with disabilities

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is probate filed in Sacramento?

Sacramento estates are probated at the Sacramento County Superior Court Probate Division, 3341 Power Inn Road, Sacramento, CA 95826. The court oversees executor and administrator duties under California Probate Code. Most uncontested estates close within twelve to eighteen months.

How does California calculate probate attorney fees?

California Probate Code § 10810 sets statutory probate attorney fees as a percentage of the gross estate value: four percent on the first $100,000, three percent on the next $100,000, two percent on the next $800,000, and one percent on the next $9 million. Trust-based planning can avoid these fees entirely.

Do I need a trust if I already have a will?

Most California homeowners benefit from a revocable trust because California’s statutory probate fees grow with the estate’s gross value. A funded trust can avoid probate entirely for the assets it owns. Counsel can compare costs and time savings for your specific situation.